Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'lubricate'

English Word: lubricate

Key Russian Translations:

• смазывать /smɐˈzɨvətʲ/ - [General verb, Informal/Formal, Imperfective aspect; used in everyday, technical, or mechanical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical, engineering, and maintenance-related discussions, but not in casual everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; involves understanding verb aspects and basic conjugations, which can be challenging for learners new to Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

смазывать: /smɐˈzɨvətʲ/

Note on смазывать: The stress falls on the second syllable ("zɨ"), which is a common feature in Russian imperfective verbs. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) at the end, which affects pronunciation subtly by palatalizing the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To apply a lubricant to reduce friction or make something operate smoothly

Translation(s) & Context:

• смазывать - Used in mechanical, automotive, or general maintenance contexts, such as lubricating machinery or bike parts; appropriate for both formal and informal settings.

Usage Examples:

• Я регулярно смазываю цепь велосипеда, чтобы она не скрипела.

  I regularly lubricate the bicycle chain so it doesn't squeak.

• Механик смазывает подшипники в двигателе для предотвращения износа.

  The mechanic lubricates the engine bearings to prevent wear.

• В холодную погоду нужно смазывать замки дверей маслом, чтобы они не замерзали.

  In cold weather, you need to lubricate door locks with oil so they don't freeze.

• Инженеры смазывают шестерни в заводском оборудовании для повышения эффективности.

  Engineers lubricate the gears in factory equipment to improve efficiency.

• Чтобы продлить срок службы инструментов, всегда смазывайте движущиеся части.

  To extend the lifespan of tools, always lubricate the moving parts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"смазывать" is an imperfective verb in Russian, meaning it describes ongoing or repeated actions. It follows standard first-conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ывать. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The perfective counterpart is "смазать," which is used for completed actions and has its own inflections. For example, past tense: смазал(а).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: смазать (perfective form, implying a completed action; often used interchangeably but with aspectual differences), смачивать (more general, implying wetting or moistening in non-mechanical contexts)
• Antonyms: сушить (to dry, as it opposes the idea of adding moisture or lubricant)

Related Phrases:

• смазать маслом - To lubricate with oil; commonly used in automotive or household maintenance.
• смазывать детали - To lubricate parts; refers to applying lubricant to machine components for smooth operation.
• регулярно смазывать механизм - To regularly lubricate a mechanism; emphasizes routine maintenance to prevent breakdown.

Usage Notes:

Russian verbs like "смазывать" are aspectual, meaning you must choose between imperfective (ongoing) and perfective (completed) forms based on context. For "lubricate," use "смазывать" for habitual or process-oriented actions (e.g., "I lubricate the chain every week"), and "смазать" for one-time events (e.g., "I lubricated it just now"). Be aware of formal vs. informal contexts: in technical writing, it's straightforward, but in casual speech, it might be paired with specific lubricants like oil. English learners should note that Russian often requires specifying the object (e.g., "смазывать чем-то" for "lubricate with something"), which adds precision.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking the imperfective "смазывать" for the perfective "смазать" in sentences: Incorrect: "Я смазать цепь" (This is grammatically wrong as it mixes forms); Correct: "Я смазал цепь" for a completed action. Explanation: Russian requires consistent aspect; using the wrong one can confuse the timeline of the action.
• Omitting the necessary prepositions or objects: Incorrect: "Я смазываю" (without specifying what); Correct: "Я смазываю цепь маслом." Explanation: Russian verbs often need direct objects for clarity, unlike some English uses where context suffices.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, maintenance and practicality are highly valued, especially in regions with harsh winters where machinery like cars and tools must be well-lubricated to function. Words like "смазывать" reflect this emphasis on preparedness and resourcefulness in everyday life, often tied to DIY traditions in rural or industrial settings.

Related Concepts:

• масло (oil)
• трение (friction)
• механизм (mechanism)